Christian Writers Circle

Perfecting Holiness
by Judy Hitson

2 Cor. 7:1 NKJV Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

An important thing I learned in Bible Study years ago is on the word, “Therefore.” See what the there is there for! Look at the previous verses to understand. I looked back to 2 Cor. 6 titled, “The Marks of the Ministry.” The subtitle for v 11-18 “Be Holy” was profound for me to consider some of what it means to be holy. The following phrases startled me in 2 Cor. 6:14, “not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers” and in 2 Cor. 6: 17 “to come out from among them.” This brings to mind a phrase from James 1:27 NASB…..keep oneself unstained by the world.

Is being equally yoked with believers first in importance in perfecting holiness?

The promise of obedience I see to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers and to come out from among them is found in 2 Cor. 6:18 (God says) “I will be a Father to you. And you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.”

Walking with the Lord on this Christian journey, I discover the bottom line is to be filled with the Holy Spirit who gives life to live Christ. This is the only possible way for us to be conformed to the image of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

Do you experience a Spirit filled life to walk in the Spirit and the love of Christ?

If so, you are on your way, perfecting holiness in your life by the Spirit.

If not, seek the Lord with all your heart and find Him. He promises to lead you in the way you should go.

For us Christians who long to mature in Christ to the full measure, we encounter battles with enemies of the flesh, world and devil. I’ve learned it is good to pause in these battles declaring, “The battle is the Lord’s!”

As we rely on Him and not ourselves, we taste of victory in Jesus. Our need is to surrender to the Lord and yield to His ways. Remember Christ in you the hope of glory.

More of Jesus Less of Me is a book I read years ago and it is the longing of my heart to have more of Jesus less of me to perfect holiness in my life. How about you?

Prayer from 2 Chron.20:12b: Neither know I what to do but my eyes are on You Lord to help me. Amen.